Variegated Japanese Kerria Kerria japonica 'Picta' (v)
ABOUT
The Kerria japonica 'Picta', commonly known as variegated Japanese kerria or variegated Japanese rose, is an ornamental shrub that exhibits a charming appearance. This variety is particularly known for its striking foliage and flowers. The leaves are a bright green color with creamy or white edges that give them a variegated look. This patterning of the foliage adds a lively contrast to the garden throughout the growing season. In addition to the attractive leaves, the shrub blooms with abundant yellow flowers that create a cheerful display. The flowers are golden, somewhat reminiscent of small roses, and form a vivid contrast against the variegated leaves. The blossoms typically have a single layer of petals and appear in clusters, providing a showy bloom that can brighten up any garden space. The overall form of the variegated Japanese kerria is somewhat arching and elegant, with slender branches that can create a fountain-like effect. The stems themselves are also noteworthy, as they sometimes have a greenish hue, which further contributes to the ornamental value of the plant throughout the year, even when it is not in flower. Its unique foliage and bright yellow flowers make variegated Japanese kerria a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color and texture to their landscape without overwhelming it with size. Overall, the combination of its variegated leaves and golden flowers give the variegated Japanese kerria a distinctive and attractive presence in the garden.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Japanese Kerria, Japanese Rose, Easter Rose.
Common names
Kerria japonica var. picta, Rubus japonicus, Rubus coronarius.
ToxicityTo humans
The Kerria, or Japanese Rose, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning reported from ingesting any part of the Kerria because it is generally considered to be a non-toxic plant for humans.
To pets
The Kerria, or Japanese Rose, is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not commonly associated with any symptoms of poisoning in animals as it is generally considered to be non-toxic for pets as well. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically should not result in any toxic consequences for pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds visual interest to gardens with its variegated foliage and bright yellow flowers.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides spring blooms and can add winter interest in milder climates with its green and white foliage.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Attraction: Flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, which are important for the ecosystem.
- Hardiness: Hardy in a range of climates, making it a versatile choice for different garden zones.
- Shade Tolerance: Can thrive in partial shade, providing options for planting in various light conditions.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes or banks to help prevent soil erosion thanks to its root system.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by division or cuttings, allowing gardeners to spread the plant throughout their garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Variegated Kerria twig arrangements: Branches of the Kerria japonica 'Picta' can be harvested and used in dried floral arrangements due to their interesting variegated foliage and bright green stems, providing aesthetic appeal even without flowers.
- Winter garden interest: This plant's brightly colored stems stand out against a winter landscape, making it an excellent choice to add some winter color to a dull garden.
- Theme gardens: The Variegated Kerria can be used to create a Japanese themed garden, adding authenticity and tranquility to the space.
- Natural fencing: When planted in a row, the dense foliage of the Variegated Kerria can act as a natural, informal fence or privacy screen during the growing season.
- Support for garden creatures: As a dense shrub, it can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds and other garden wildlife.
- Photography subject: The plant can serve as a photogenic subject for garden photographers, especially when in bloom with its bright yellow flowers.
- Educational tool: The plant's ability to demonstrate variegation in leaves can be used as an educational example in botany or horticulture classes.
- Soil erosion control: The Variegated Kerria's root system can help stabilize soil on slopes or banks, reducing erosion.
- Backdrops for other plants: The green and white foliage of Kerria japonica 'Picta' can serve as a contrasting backdrop, accentuating the colors of other flowering plants in a garden bed.
- Seasonal celebrations: In some cultures, branches of flowering Kerria may be used in decorative arrangements for certain festivals or celebrations due to their springtime bloom.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiKerria japonica, commonly known as Japanese kerria, is not typically mentioned in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityJapanese kerria is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Kerria japonica 'Picta', commonly known as the Variegated Japanese Kerria, often blooms in spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the renewal that comes with the season.
- Longevity: The Japanese Kerria is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive for many years, making it a symbol of longevity and endurance.
- Strength: With its vigorous growth habit and resilience in various conditions, the Variegated Japanese Kerria represents strength and the ability to withstand life's challenges.
- Adaptability: Given its versatility and adaptability to different soil types and levels of sunlight, this plant symbolizes flexibility and the capability to adjust to changing circumstances.
- Beauty: The distinctive yellow flowers and variegated leaves signify beauty and joy, often associated with the cheerful and attractive appearance of the blossoms.
- Connection with Nature: As a prominent feature in Japanese gardens, Kerria japonica 'Picta' symbolizes a deep connection with nature and the simplicity of integrating the natural world into daily life.
WaterJapanese Rose thrive when the soil is kept consistently moist, but not saturated. Water the plant once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering session during the growing season in spring and summer. During the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every other week as the plant's water requirements decrease. Ensure the water reaches the root zone by watering directly at the soil level. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, check the soil moisture more frequently, as additional waterings may be necessary.
LightVariegated Japanese Rose flourishes in partial shade to full sun. Choose a location where the plant receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can reduce flowering and cause the foliage to lose its vibrancy. A spot that provides protection from harsh, midday sun is ideal for the optimal growth of this plant.
TemperatureJapanese Rose is quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as -10°F and as high as 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for Variegated Japanese Rose is between 60°F and 80°F. It is important to plant it in a location where it is shielded from extreme cold winds and intense, direct heat during the peak of summer.
PruningPrune Variegated Japanese Rose to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. The best time to prune is immediately after it finishes blooming in the spring, as it flowers on old wood. Cut back the stems that have just flowered to a set of fresh growth or strong bud. Thinning out old wood every few years will help rejuvenate the plant and keep it healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica 'Picta') thrives best in rich, well-draining loam with a pH of 5.5 to 7. To create an ideal soil mix, combine equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite. This mixture ensures good drainage and aeration while providing sufficient organic matter for the plant's growth.
RepottingThe Japanese Kerria should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil, as it can become root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to allow for growth. Best repotting time is after flowering or in early spring.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Kerria prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels found naturally in most homes. It's important to ensure the environment isn't too dry, especially during winter when indoor heating can reduce indoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, keep soil moist, and provide good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure moist, well-drained soil, and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Kerria japonica 'Picta', commonly known as variegated Japanese kerria, begins with seed germination, which is relatively rare in cultivated conditions. More commonly, new plants are propagated through cuttings or division in spring or early summer, allowing roots and shoots to develop. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, producing its distinctive green and white variegated leaves and arching green stems. Flowering occurs in early spring, showcasing yellow, rose-like blooms that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant enters a period of fruit development, though the fruits are not ornamentally significant. As a deciduous shrub, variegated Japanese kerria then reaches a dormancy stage in winter, shedding its leaves and resting until the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Kerria japonica 'Picta', commonly known as variegated Japanese kerria, is best propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. To do this, cut a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 cm) stem piece from the current year's growth; make sure it has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base into a rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two of the removed leaf nodes are below the soil surface. The pot should be placed in a warm environment with indirect sunlight and kept moist. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually hardened off and eventually planted outdoors in a suitable location.
